| LojaOn this page: Introduction
| History | Climate
|
Introduction
Loja is one of the most appealing cities for many travelers to Ecuador and is a welcome jaunt off the familiar tourist trail.
The Province of Loja offers a unique combination of paramo, cloud
forest, and jungle. Moreover, Loja's capital city of the same name
and the area's natural wonders remain unsullied and largely undiscovered
by travelers because they are tucked away in the southern most portion
of the country. Travelers willing to make the trip can look forward
to breathtaking vistas, indigenous markets, an amazing National
Park, colonial architecture, and unparalleled hospitality. Its also just a short trip to Vilcabamba, Podocarpus National Park, and other sites of interest.
History
The city of Loja was initially
founded in the valley of Catamayo, an area now occupied by the La
Toma airport. Loja was moved from this valley to its current location
due to a high incidence of malaria and a devastating earthquake.
The city was rebuilt in the majestic green mountains of the southern
Andes several years after its destruction and was officially founded
on December 8th, 1548 by Spanish Captain Alonso de Mercadillo. At
nearly 500 years, Loja is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador. Its
age is evident in its rich colonial
architecture, narrow streets,
and in the remaining 18th century homes.
In addition to being one
of the first Ecuadorian cities, Loja is also one of the nation's
most pioneering. In 1897, Loja became the first city in Ecuador
to use electric energy, catapulting the country into the Age of
Electricity. Since then, careful industrialization and modernization
has allowed Loja to retain its charm. Loja is a prime example of
smart economic development. Lojanos have managed to succeed financially
without destroying their cultural heritage and natural resources.
This is exemplified in the conscious construction of buildings designed
to harmonize with older ones. Loja's effort to preserve its architecture
and colonial roots represents a forward thinking approach to development
that the rest of Ecuador's cities should follow.
Climate
Loja is located at 2100
meters above sea level in the Cuxibamba valley and enjoys a temperate
spring-like climate all year long, though the weather is best from
October through January. Temperatures fluctuate between 16°
C (60° F) and 21° C (70° F), with an average daily temperature
of 17° C (63° F). February through May is wetter than the
rest of the year but for many the guarantee of afternoon rainbows
makes up for it. Layering is necessary because the equatorial sun
often makes days hot and mountain nights are always cool.
On this page:Introduction
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